English Language Arts and Reading.4.12.B

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The student is expected to

compose informational texts, including brief compositions that convey information about a topic, using a clear central idea and genre characteristics and craft;

composition strand teks talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Composition: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts--genres. The student uses genre characteristics and craft to compose multiple texts that are meaningful.

A teacher may wish to pair SE 4.11.D.viii with SE 4.12.B and assess both SEs at the same time. With SE 4.11.D.viii, students use coordinating conjunctions to form compound subjects, predicates, and sentences. Have students compose a piece of writing for the purpose of sharing information regarding a current event or a topic that has been studied in a different content area such as math or social studies. Within their informational text, students should incorporate multiple examples of coordinating conjunctions. After students have completed their text, have them trade with a classmate to read the other student's informational text and locate the genre characteristics and craft employed by their partner. Observe discussions to determine if students accurately identify genre characteristics.

Students' informational text should include the following:

  • A central idea
  • Clear organization
  • Development of ideas
  • The use of grade-appropriate language and conventions such as purposeful word choice
  • Sentences that are varied and well controlled
     

Further Explanation

Students are expected to compose informational texts to effectively explain and clarify a topic. Their writing must have a clear central idea with supporting details, an introduction and a conclusion, and an evident organizational pattern.

Students are expected to compose effective informational papers. Students should understand that informational texts explain and clarify a topic. Student informational writing must have a clear central idea, or focus, with supporting details, an introduction and a conclusion, and an effective organizational pattern.
a text that presents information to explain, clarify, and/or educate
a word or phrase that identifies the subject matter of a text or speech

Research

Bass, M. L., & Woo, D. G. (2008). Comprehension windows strategy: a comprehension strategy and prop for reading and writing informational text. The Reading Teacher, 61(7), 571+. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A178084045/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=5abc6151

Summary: The focus is upon the use of Comprehension Windows Strategy, which is a prop in the form of a tent-like structure—a file folder with labeled flaps for categorizing information. The prop serves as both a brainstorming and organizing tool, enabling students to manipulate informational "chunks." Teachers model the prop with at least three sources of informational text and think-alouds. After using the prop for reading, the students transition into a the writing process in order to compose their own informational writing projects.